Following her brain surgery in Emmerdale in December, Moira Dingle (Natalie J Robb) was told that she would have to have follow-up radiotherapy. Tests on the tumour that was removed showed it was a type that might come back without further treatment.
This was a massive blow to Moira, who hoped the surgery might be a cure. As an added burden, her marriage with Cain (Jeff Hordley) wasn’t in a good place as he seemed to be spiralling, getting drunk, getting arrested and not being there to support her for her appointment to get the test results.
Viewers know that the reason for Cain’s behaviour was his guilt over sleeping with sister-in-law Ruby Fox-Miligan (Beth Cordingly) while Moira was having her operation.
It was a moment of absolute madness that both parties immediately regretted, but obviously could have huge consequences for both if the truth came out.
Moira bitterly told her husband that she couldn’t rely on him and she’d face her future treatments alone, but in upcoming episodes Cain is by her side as she goes for her first appointment, their differences apparently put aside for now.
Moira is a bit distracted by seeing Jacob (Joe-Warren Plant) at the hospital. It’s his first day on A&E and a special episode will follow how he gets on during a stressful day in the busy department.
For Moira, her first appointment is to fit the mask that she’ll need to wear during the radiotherapy treatments. This is a custom-made device to hold her head absolutely still so the treatment can be precisely targeted and Moira finds the whole process completely daunting – so much so that it makes her emotional.
Meanwhile Cain is in the waiting room and gets talking to an elderly patient called Henry, who reminds him of his father Zak (Steve Halliwell) who died recently.
Cain gets deeply involved in talking to Henry, so much so that he doesn’t realise how quickly the time is passing.
When Moira’s appointment is finished she’s overwhelmed and just wants a hug from Cain and to be taken back home. But she’s upset to realise he’s not there, having become so engrossed in his chat with Henry that he’s apparently forgotten her.
Moira feels let down yet again by Cain. Was she wrong to trust that he would be there for her?
